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Fédération Française de Football
OrganisationFR

Fédération Française de Football

France's national football governing body, founded 1919.

The FFF confirmed Zinedine Zidane as France's new head coach on 28 July 2026, unveiled at a Paris press conference, giving president Philippe Diallo the successor to Didier Deschamps he had been seeking since the World Cup.

Last refreshed: 28 July 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic

Key Question

Who succeeds Didier Deschamps after France's World Cup semi-final exit?

Timeline for Fédération Française de Football

#28 23 Jun
#12 26 May

Confirmed seven base camps for visiting nations in Mexico

2026 FIFA World Cup: Mexico confirms seven camps for visiting nations
#11 14 May

Published France's official final 26-man World Cup squad

2026 FIFA World Cup: Camavinga cut from France's final 26 as Deschamps signs off
View full timeline →

Background

The FFF backed Didier Deschamps' final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, his last tournament as head coach, through public debate over the omission of Eduardo Camavinga . On 23 June 2026 president Philippe Diallo approved Deschamps' leave of absence to attend a family funeral, with assistant Guy Stephan taking charge for the final Group I match against Norway on 26 June .

France's campaign ended in the semi-final on 14 July, beaten by Spain, and Deschamps' exit Left the federation to find a successor. It resolved that search on 28 July 2026, naming Zinedine Zidane head coach on a four-year cycle running to the next World Cup .

Founded in 1919 and among FIFA's founding members, the Fédération Française de Football has overseen France's most successful era in international football: World Cup wins in 1998 and 2018, and a final appearance in 2022. It manages the professional game domestically through Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, its professional league affiliate.

Key Issues
Coaching succession

Diallo lands his choice of coach

The FFF ended its head-coach search on 28 July 2026, unveiling Zinedine Zidane at a press conference held at its Paris headquarters . President Philippe Diallo, who had steered the federation through Didier Deschamps' exit after the World Cup, presided over the announcement himself.

The appointment settles the succession question that had hung over the federation since Deschamps confirmed the tournament would be his last, and commits the FFF to a new four-year cycle spanning the Nations League, Euro 2028 and the next World Cup. Zidane is due to start work for the federation on 1 September 2026.

Common Questions

Reference

How many World Cups has France won?
France has won two World Cups: 1998 as hosts under Aimé Jacquet, and 2018 in Russia under Didier Deschamps. The FFF also reached the 2022 final, losing to Argentina on penalties.Source: Lowdown

Recently resolved

Who will replace Didier Deschamps as France manager?
Zinedine Zidane. The FFF, under president Philippe Diallo, appointed him France head coach on 28 July 2026 on a four-year contract covering the Nations League, Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup, succeeding Deschamps.Source: Lowdown
How did France's 2026 World Cup campaign end?
France were eliminated in the semi-final, beaten 2-0 by Spain at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on 14 July 2026. They play England in the third-place playoff on 18 July.Source: Lowdown
Why was Camavinga dropped from France's 2026 World Cup squad?
Deschamps chose to prioritise other midfield options; Camavinga was not selected despite being a key player for Real Madrid.Source: Lowdown
Who is France's football manager at the 2026 World Cup?
Didier Deschamps, who has managed France since 2012 and won the 2018 World Cup, is France's manager for the 2026 tournament. He has confirmed it will be his last.Source: Lowdown
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